The Enchanted Ember Pumpkin: A Free Tunisian Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Glowing Fall Decoration

Introduction: Capture the Glow of Autumn

There’s something magical about a pumpkin that looks like it’s lit from within. The Enchanted Ember Pumpkin uses Tunisian crochet’s unique smock stitch to create a richly textured, three-dimensional gourd that mimics the look of a glowing ember. This free pattern is perfect for fall decor, whether you’re dressing up your mantel, creating a centerpiece, or making a handmade gift. The combination of burnt orange and deep rust yarns gives it an heirloom quality, while the smock stitch technique adds a dimensional, almost sculptural feel. Best of all, this project is beginner-friendly—you just need to know basic Tunisian stitches and how to work in the round.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. All materials are standard and easy to find at any craft store.

Yarn

• Main Color (MC): Worsted weight (#4) yarn in Burnt Orange – approximately 100 yards. Sample used Lion Brand Wool-Ease in ‘Pumpkin’.
• Contrast Color (CC): Worsted weight (#4) yarn in Deep Rust or Cinnamon – approximately 50 yards. Sample used Lion Brand Wool-Ease in ‘Cinnamon’.

Hooks & Needles

• Tunisian crochet hook: Size J/10 (6.0 mm) with a 12-inch cord (or longer, if you prefer).
• Standard crochet hook: Size H/8 (5.0 mm) for the stem and leaf.
• Yarn needle for weaving ends and creating the smock stitch texture.

Other

• Fiberfill stuffing (polyester or natural).
• Scissors.
• Stitch markers (optional, but helpful for keeping track of rounds).

Gauge

14 stitches x 12 rows in Tunisian Simple Stitch = 4 inches. Gauge is not critical for this project, but consistency will ensure even shaping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Important Notes: This pattern is worked in continuous rounds using Tunisian crochet in the round (TCR). The smock stitch is created by working a series of forward passes and return passes, then gathering the stitches with a yarn needle to form the ‘ember’ texture. The pumpkin is worked from the bottom up. Do not join rounds unless specified; simply work in a spiral.

Abbreviations (Tunisian Crochet)

• TSS: Tunisian Simple Stitch
• TKS: Tunisian Knit Stitch
• inc: Increase (work 2 stitches in one stitch)
• dec: Decrease (work 2 stitches together)
• FP: Forward Pass (working from right to left)
• RP: Return Pass (working from left to right)
• st(s): stitch(es)
• ch: chain
• sl st: slip stitch
• MC: Main Color
• CC: Contrast Color

Pumpkin Body (make 1)

Round 1: With MC and Tunisian hook, ch 2. Work 6 TSS in the second ch from hook. (6 sts)

Round 2 (Increase round): Work 2 TSS in each st around. (12 sts)

Round 3 (Increase round): *TSS in next st, 2 TSS in next st* repeat around. (18 sts)

Round 4 (Increase round): *TSS in next 2 sts, 2 TSS in next st* repeat around. (24 sts)

Round 5 (Increase round): *TSS in next 3 sts, 2 TSS in next st* repeat around. (30 sts)

Round 6 (Increase round): *TSS in next 4 sts, 2 TSS in next st* repeat around. (36 sts)

Rounds 7–12 (Even rounds): Work even in TSS (no increases). (36 sts)

Round 13 (Decrease round): *TSS in next 4 sts, dec over next 2 sts* repeat around. (30 sts)

Round 14 (Decrease round): *TSS in next 3 sts, dec over next 2 sts* repeat around. (24 sts)

Round 15 (Decrease round): *TSS in next 2 sts, dec over next 2 sts* repeat around. (18 sts)

Round 16 (Decrease round): *TSS in next st, dec over next 2 sts* repeat around. (12 sts)

Round 17 (Decrease round): *Dec over next 2 sts* repeat around. (6 sts)

Finishing the body: Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches). Stuff the pumpkin firmly with fiberfill before closing. Thread the tail through a yarn needle, weave it through the remaining 6 stitches, and pull tight to close the opening. Weave in the end securely.

Smock Stitch Ember Texture (worked on the surface)

This is the step that gives your pumpkin its signature “glowing ember” look. Using CC and a yarn needle, create vertical ‘smock’ lines on the pumpkin body.

1. Thread a yarn needle with a 12-inch length of CC yarn.
2. Insert the needle from the bottom center of the pumpkin (the flat base) to the top center (where you closed the opening). Pull the yarn taut to create a slight indentation.
3. Repeat this process 6–8 times around the pumpkin, spacing the lines evenly. This creates the ‘ember’ segments.
4. For a more textured, glowing effect, work a second set of lines at a slight angle, crossing the first set. This will create a diamond-like pattern that mimics embers.
5. Weave in all ends securely on the inside of the pumpkin.

Stem (make 1)

With standard hook (size H/8) and CC, ch 6.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (5 sc) Ch 1, turn.

Rows 2–4: Sc in each st across. (5 sc) Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 8 inches).

Assembly: Roll the stem into a tight spiral (like a cinnamon roll) and sew the base to the top center of the pumpkin. Weave in ends.

Leaf (make 1)

With standard hook (size H/8) and CC, ch 8.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next, dc in next 2, hdc in next, sc in next, ch 2, sl st in last ch. Fasten off, leaving a tail (about 6 inches).

Assembly: Sew the leaf to the base of the stem (where the stem meets the pumpkin). Weave in ends.

Finishing Touches

1. Gently shape the pumpkin by pushing the bottom flat against a table. The smock stitch lines will naturally create a ribbed, glowing effect.
2. Optional: Add a small loop of yarn at the top for hanging. Simply ch 10 with MC or CC, attach to the top center, and weave in ends.
3. Fluff the fiberfill if needed to ensure the pumpkin is firm and round.

Your Enchanted Ember Pumpkin is now complete! Display it on a mantel, in a bowl, or as part of a fall centerpiece. The smock stitch texture will catch the light beautifully, giving your home a warm, cozy glow all season long.